U.S. patent application number 15/054825 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-30 for system and method for application of a surface compound.
The applicant listed for this patent is Lisa Marie Evans. Invention is credited to Lisa Marie Evans.
Application Number | 20160184860 15/054825 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52343780 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160184860 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Evans; Lisa Marie |
June 30, 2016 |
System and Method for Application of a Surface Compound
Abstract
A compound delivery applicator comprising a substantially
conical portion comprising a first end configured to couple to a
compound receptacle and an applicator blade comprising a first
portion extending outwardly along a longitudinal axis of and from a
second end of the substantially conical portion, the first portion
comprising a first side edge and a second side edge each forming an
acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the substantially
conical portion and a scraper comprising a recessed channel along
an edge of the scraper. The device further comprises a
substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel
extending along the longitudinal axis of and internally through at
least a portion of the substantially conical portion, the
substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel further
extending through the scraper of the applicator blade and
configured to pass a compound therethrough and a flow control
button located within the recessed channel.
Inventors: |
Evans; Lisa Marie;
(Chandler, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Evans; Lisa Marie |
Chandler |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52343780 |
Appl. No.: |
15/054825 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14334607 |
Jul 17, 2014 |
9272305 |
|
|
15054825 |
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|
61847943 |
Jul 18, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
427/207.1 ;
401/263; 427/356 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05D 5/005 20130101;
B05C 17/10 20130101; B05D 1/40 20130101; B05D 1/26 20130101; B05C
17/00503 20130101; B05C 17/00593 20130101; B05C 17/00516 20130101;
B05C 17/00583 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B05C 17/005 20060101
B05C017/005; B05C 17/10 20060101 B05C017/10 |
Claims
1. A compound delivery applicator comprising: a substantially
conical portion comprising a first end configured to couple to a
compound receptacle; an applicator blade coupled to the
substantially conical portion, the applicator blade comprising: a
first portion extending outwardly along a longitudinal axis of and
from a second end of the substantially conical portion, the first
portion comprising a first side edge and a second side edge each
forming an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the
substantially conical portion; and a scraper coupled to the first
portion distal the substantially conical portion, the scraper
comprising a recessed channel along at least a portion of an edge
of the scraper distal from the first portion of the applicator
blade; a substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel
extending along the longitudinal axis of and internally through at
least a portion of the substantially conical portion, the
substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel further
extending through the scraper of the applicator blade and
configured to pass a compound therethrough; and a flow control
button located within the recessed channel of the scraper.
2. The compound delivery applicator of claim 1, wherein the scraper
further comprises a distribution surface comprising an opening
configured to pass compound from the substantially cylindrical
hollow compound delivery channel therethrough.
3. The compound delivery applicator of claim 2, wherein the
distribution surface forms an acute angle relative to the
longitudinal axis of the substantially conical portion.
4. The compound delivery applicator of claim 3, wherein the
recessed channel is located on a surface of the scraper other than
the distribution surface.
5. The compound delivery applicator of claim 1, wherein the edge of
the scraper comprises a first edge portion and a second edge
portion forming an angle with each other within a range of 90 to
120 degrees.
6. The compound delivery applicator of claim 5, wherein the
substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel bisects
the angle formed by the first and second edge portions.
7. The compound delivery applicator of claim 1, wherein the flow
control button comprises a substantially hollow passageway
configured to align with the substantially cylindrical hollow
compound delivery channel such that flow of a compound through the
compound delivery channel is unobstructed.
8. The compound delivery applicator of claim 1, wherein the flow
control button is configured to slide within the recessed
channel.
9. The compound delivery applicator of claim 8, wherein the flow
control button further comprises a textured surface facing outward
from the recessed channel.
10. The compound delivery applicator of claim 1, wherein the first
end of the substantially conical portion is threaded such that it
is configured to threadably couple to the compound receptacle.
11. The compound delivery applicator of claim 1, wherein the
compound is one of a wall-patch, a caulk, an adhesive, and a
paint.
12. The compound delivery applicator of claim 1, wherein the
substantially conical portion, the applicator blade, and the
substantially hollow compound delivery channel are integrally
formed.
13. The compound delivery applicator of claim 1, wherein the
compound receptacle is comprised of a refillable cartridge.
14. The compound delivery applicator of claim 1, wherein the
compound receptacle is comprised of a disposable cartridge.
15. The compound delivery applicator of claim 1, further comprising
a removable plug configured to fit within the opening of the
distribution surface such that flow of the compound is
obstructed.
16. A method of applying a compound using a compound delivery
applicator, the method comprising: coupling a first end of a
substantially conical portion of the compound delivery applicator
to a compound receptacle containing a compound; placing an
applicator blade that is coupled to the substantially conical
portion in contact with a surface to which the compound is to be
applied, the applicator blade comprising a first portion extending
outwardly along a longitudinal axis of and from a second end of the
substantially conical portion, the first portion comprising a first
side edge and a second side edge each forming an acute angle
relative to the longitudinal axis of the substantially conical
portion; dispensing the compound through a substantially
cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel extending along the
longitudinal axis of and internally through at least a portion of
the substantially conical portion, the substantially cylindrical
hollow compound delivery channel further extending through a
scraper of the applicator blade coupled to the first portion distal
the substantially conical portion; removing excess compound using
at least a portion of an edge of the scraper distal from the first
portion of the applicator blade; and actuating a flow control
button located within a recessed channel along at least a portion
of an edge of the scraper distal from the first portion of the
applicator blade.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the compound receptacle
comprises a disposable cartridge.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the compound is dispensed by
pressurizing the compound.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the compound is one of a
wall-patch, a caulk, an adhesive, and a paint.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein actuating the flow control
button comprises sliding the flow control button along the recessed
channel.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This document is a continuation of earlier U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/334,607, entitled System and method for
Application of a Surface Compound" to Lisa Marie Evans, which was
filed Jul. 17, 2014, now pending, which claims the benefit of the
filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/847,943,
entitled "Patch Delivery Systems" to Lisa Marie Evans, which was
filed on Jul. 18, 2013, the disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated entirely by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] Aspects of this document relate generally to systems and
methods for applying viscous materials to a surface.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] Holes and other imperfections in walls, ceilings, floors,
and other surfaces are often repaired using a compound such as a
wall-patch material that is customarily applied using a
semi-flexible knife and is sourced from a single-batch container
that typically contains far more compound than will be used in a
single application. This process typically introduces problems such
as wasted compound, source contamination, and messy application
thereby resulting in the user discarding unused and contaminated
compound which increases the cost of such repairs due to this
wasted and discarded product. The tools involved may also be
unwieldy and require additional time and cost in cleaning and
storing such tools for future use.
SUMMARY
[0006] Implementations of a compound delivery applicator may
comprise a substantially conical portion comprising a first end
configured to couple to a compound receptacle, an applicator blade
coupled to the substantially conical portion, the applicator blade
comprising a first portion extending outwardly along a longitudinal
axis of and from a second end of the substantially conical portion,
the first portion comprising a first side edge and a second side
edge each forming an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis
of the substantially conical portion and a scraper coupled to the
first portion distal the substantially conical portion, the scraper
comprising a recessed channel along at least a portion of an edge
of the scraper distal from the first portion of the applicator
blade. The compound delivery applicator may further comprise a
substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel
extending along the longitudinal axis of and internally through at
least a portion of the substantially conical portion, the
substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel further
extending through the scraper of the applicator blade and
configured to pass a compound therethrough and a flow control
button located within the recessed channel of the scraper.
[0007] Particular aspects may comprise one or more of the following
features. The scraper may further comprise a distribution surface
comprising an opening configured to pass compound from the
substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel
therethrough. The distribution surface may form an acute angle
relative to the longitudinal axis of the substantially conical
portion. The recessed channel may be located on a surface of the
scraper other than the distribution surface. The edge of the
scraper may comprise a first edge portion and a second edge portion
forming an angle with each other within a range of 90 to 120
degrees. The substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery
channel may bisect the angle formed by the first and second edge
portions. The flow control button may comprise a substantially
hollow passageway configured to align with the substantially
cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel such that flow of a
compound through the compound delivery channel is unobstructed. The
flow control button may be configured to slide within the recessed
channel. The flow control button may further comprise a textured
surface facing outward from the recessed channel. The first end of
the substantially conical portion may be threaded such that it is
configured to threadably couple to the compound receptacle. The
compound may be one of a wall-patch, a caulk, an adhesive, and a
paint. The substantially conical portion, the applicator blade, and
the substantially hollow compound delivery channel may be
integrally formed. The compound receptacle may be comprised of a
refillable cartridge. The compound receptacle may be comprised of a
disposable cartridge. The compound delivery applicator may further
comprise a removable plug configured to fit within the opening of
the distribution surface such that flow of the compound is
obstructed.
[0008] Implementations of a method of applying a compound using a
compound delivery applicator may comprise coupling a first end of a
substantially conical portion of the compound delivery applicator
to a compound receptacle containing a compound, placing an
applicator blade that is coupled to the substantially conical
portion in contact with a surface to which the compound is to be
applied, the applicator blade comprising a first portion extending
outwardly along a longitudinal axis of and from a second end of the
substantially conical portion, the first portion comprising a first
side edge and a second side edge each forming an acute angle
relative to the longitudinal axis of the substantially conical
portion, dispensing the compound through a substantially
cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel extending along the
longitudinal axis of and internally through at least a portion of
the substantially conical portion, the substantially cylindrical
hollow compound delivery channel further extending through a
scraper of the applicator blade coupled to the first portion distal
the substantially conical portion, removing excess compound using
at least a portion of an edge of the scraper distal from the first
portion of the applicator blade, and actuating a flow control
button located within a recessed channel along at least a portion
of an edge of the scraper distal from the first portion of the
applicator blade.
[0009] Particular aspects may comprise one or more of the following
features. The compound receptacle may comprise a disposable
cartridge. The compound may be dispensed by pressurizing the
compound. The compound may be one of a wall-patch, a caulk, an
adhesive, and a paint. Actuating the flow control button may
comprise sliding the flow control button along the recessed
channel.
[0010] Aspects and applications of the disclosure presented here
are described below in the drawings and detailed description.
Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and
phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain,
ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the
applicable arts. The inventor is fully aware that she can be her
own lexicographer if desired. The inventor expressly elects, as her
own lexicographer, to use only the plain and ordinary meaning of
terms in the specification and claims unless she clearly states
otherwise and then further, expressly sets forth the "special"
definition of that term and explains how it differs from the plain
and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to
apply a "special" definition, it is the inventor's intent and
desire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be
applied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.
[0011] The inventor is also aware of the normal precepts of English
grammar. Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further
characterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun,
term, or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives,
descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal
precepts of English grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives,
descriptive terms, or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns,
terms, or phrases be given their plain, and ordinary English
meaning to those skilled in the applicable arts as set forth
above.
[0012] Further, the inventor is fully informed of the standards and
application of the special provisions of post-AIA 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112(f). Thus, the use of the words "function," "means" or
"step" in the Description , Drawings, or Claims is not intended to
somehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of
post-AIA 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112(f), to define the invention. To the
contrary, if the provisions of post-AIA 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112(f) are
sought to be invoked to define the claimed disclosure, the claims
will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases "means for"
or "step for, and will also recite the word "function" (i.e., will
state "means for performing the function of [insert function]"),
without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material or
act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a
"means for performing the function of . . . " or "step for
performing the function of . . . ," if the claims also recite any
structure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or
that perform the recited function, then it is the clear intention
of the inventors not to invoke the provisions of post-AIA 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112(f). Moreover, even if the provisions of post-AIA 35
U.S.C. .sctn.112(f) are invoked to define the claimed disclosure,
it is intended that the disclosure not be limited only to the
specific structure, material or acts that are described in the
preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all
structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function as
described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or
that are well known present or later-developed, equivalent
structures, material or acts for performing the claimed
function.
[0013] The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages
will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art
from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction
with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like
elements, and:
[0015] FIGS. 1-2 depict implementations of a compound delivery
applicator.
[0016] FIGS. 3-4 depict implementations of a compound delivery
applicator used with a compound receptacle that comprises a
tube.
[0017] FIGS. 5-6 depict implementations of a compound delivery
applicator used with a plunger-actuated compound receptacle.
[0018] FIGS. 7-8 depict a cross-sectional view of an implementation
of a compound delivery applicator comprising a slidable flow
control button.
[0019] FIGS. 9-10 depict implementations of a compound delivery
applicator used with a spring-actuated plunger.
[0020] FIGS. 11-14 depict implementations of a compound delivery
applicator comprising a scraper with a plurality of edge portions
for use at an abutment of two surfaces.
[0021] FIGS. 15-16 depict a cross-sectional view of implementations
of a compound delivery applicator comprising a plurality of scraper
edge portions.
[0022] FIGS. 17-19 depict implementations of a compound delivery
applicator in use at an abutment of two surfaces and in conjunction
with a compound receptacle.
[0023] FIGS. 20-24 depict implementations of a compound delivery
applicator comprising a roller.
[0024] FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a method of applying a
compound using a compound delivery applicator.
DESCRIPTION
[0025] This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not
limited to the specific components or methods disclosed herein.
Many additional components and assembly procedures known in the art
consistent with the intended compound delivery apparatus and
related methods will become apparent for use with particular
implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example,
although particular implementations are disclosed, such
implementations and implementing components may comprise any
components, models, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is
known in the art for such systems and implementing components,
consistent with the intended operation.
[0026] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for
applying a surface compound such as by non-limiting example,
wall-patch, Spackle.RTM., putty, adhesive, caulk, paint, stain, and
other similar substances.
[0027] FIGS. 1-2 show an implementation of a compound delivery
applicator 100 for use with a tube or other compound receptacle
110, as depicted in FIGS. 3-5. Some embodiments may comprise a
substantially conical portion 115 having a first end 120 configured
to couple to the compound receptacle 110. While it is intended that
any appropriate coupling methodology may be implemented, in some
implementations, the first end 120 may comprise one or more threads
125 to threadably couple with a tube or other compound receptacle
110. In other implementations, threads may not be necessary as the
applicator may slide or otherwise be non-threadably coupled to the
compound receptacle.
[0028] As shown, an applicator blade 135 is coupled to a second end
130 of the substantially conical portion 115 of the compound
delivery applicator 100. The applicator blade 135 comprises a first
portion 137 that extends outwardly from the second end 130 of the
substantially conical portion 115 and along a longitudinal axis of
the substantially conical portion 115. First and second side edges
140, 145 extend outward from the second end 130 of the conical
portion each forming an acute angle relative to the longitudinal
axis of the substantially conical portion 115. A scraper 150 is
coupled to the first portion 137 of the applicator blade 135 at a
location that is distal from the substantially conical portion 115.
In some implementations, the scraper 150 may comprise a recessed
channel 155 located on a surface of the scraper as depicted in
FIGS. 1 and 4-5 at a location that is distal from the substantially
conical portion 115 and the first portion 137 of the applicator
blade 135. The recessed channel 155 may run along substantially the
entire scraper edge or along any portion of the scraper edge.
[0029] FIGS. 7 and 8 provide a cross-sectional view of an
implementation of a compound delivery applicator 100 as shown in
FIG. 6. A substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery
channel 160 extends longitudinally through at least a portion of
the substantially conical portion 115, applicator blade 135, and/or
scraper 150 such that a compound held in the compound receptacle
110 to which the applicator 100 is coupled may pass through the
compound delivery channel 110 and be applied to a surface as the
compound exits the opening 165 in the scraper 150.
[0030] In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 2-3 and 6, the
scraper 150 further comprises a distribution surface 170 which
allows compound to pass from the compound delivery channel 160 and
through an opening 165 in the distribution surface 170 for
application to a wall, floor, or other appropriate surface to which
application of the compound is desired. In some embodiments, the
recessed channel 155 is located on a surface of the scraper 150
other than the distribution surface 170. While it is contemplated
that the distribution surface 170 may be configured to have any
angle that is desirable for easing of use in applying the compound,
in some embodiments, it may be preferable to orient the
distribution surface 170 such that it forms an acute angle relative
to the longitudinal axis of the substantially conical portion 115
of the applicator. It should be noted that terms such as underside,
top, underneath, etc. are used for descriptive purposes with
reference to the orientation and views depicted in the figures and
are not intended to limit the orientation of the applicator when in
use. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the
applicator may be more easily and effectively used in different
orientations relative to the surface to which the compound is being
applied depending on the angular orientation of and the type of
surface (e.g. vertical wall, horizontal ceiling, etc.).
[0031] Some embodiments of the compound delivery applicator 100 may
further comprise a flow control button 175 that allows a user to
control flow of the compound by allowing the compound to flow
freely from the opening 165 in the scraper 150 when the flow
control button 175 is in an open position and prevent compound from
flowing through the opening 165 when the flow control button 175 is
in the closed position. The flow control button 175 may be located
within the recessed channel 155 of the scraper 150 and may slide or
otherwise move within the recessed channel 155 to control the flow
of compound application. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the flow
control button 175 may comprise a channel, opening, or other hollow
passageway 177 that aligns with the substantially cylindrical
hollow compound delivery channel 160 and the opening 165 in the
scraper 150 such that when the flow control button 175 is slid or
otherwise located in an open position in the recessed channel 155
as shown in FIG. 8, the hollow passageway 177 couples with the
substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel 160 and
the opening 165 in the scraper 150 to form a continuous pathway for
the compound to flow through. The flow control button 175 may also
be slid or otherwise positioned into a closed position as shown in
FIG. 7 such that the hollow passageway 177 does not align with the
substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel 160 and
opening 165 in the scraper 150 thereby obstructing the flow of the
compound. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 9-10, flow of compound
may be obstructed by inserting a plug 180 or other stopper into the
opening located on the distribution surface 170 of the scraper 150.
To increase the ease with which a user may slide or otherwise move
the flow control button 175, a texture such as ridges, bumps,
depressions, or any other suitable texture or pattern may be
present on the outward-facing surface of the flow control button
175.
[0032] While some implementations of the compound delivery
applicator may comprise a scraper 150 having a single edge portion
that is flat and uniform for use in applying compound to a flat
surface such as depicted in FIGS. 1-8, for some applications, such
as applying compound to a corner or other abutment of two surfaces,
it may be preferable that applicator 200 has a scraper 150 that
comprises a plurality of edge portions to aid the user in smoothly
applying the compound. For example, as shown in FIGS. 11-18, the
scraper may comprise a first edge portion 201 and a second edge
portion 202 that meet a juncture to form an edge that is more
suitable for applying compound to a corner. While the first and
second edge portions may be configured to form any suitable angle,
it may be preferable that the first and second edge portions form
an angle that is within a range of 90 to 120 degrees relative to
each other for use in corners or other application in which two
flat surfaces meet at a right angle. In some embodiments, an angle
of approximately 111 degrees may be preferable; however this angle
may differ as needed depending on the various dimensions and angles
of other portions of the applicator and/or applicator blade.
[0033] FIGS. 13-14 provide end views of the compound delivery
applicator 200 having first and second scraper edge portions 201,
202 that meet at approximately an angle within a range of 90 to 120
degrees relative to each other. For embodiments comprising a
distribution surface 170, while any appropriate angle may be used,
it may be preferable to enhance ease of scraping and leveling the
compound being applied to orient one or more distribution surfaces
corresponding to the first and/or second scraper edge portions at
an angle that is acute relative to the longitudinal axis of the
substantially conical portion. In some embodiments, it may be
advantageous to locate the substantially cylindrical hollow
compound delivery channel 160 such that it substantially bisects
the angle formed by the first and second scraper edge portions. As
shown in FIG. 13, in some implementations, the opening 165 in the
distribution surface 170 that is coupled to the substantially
cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel 160 may be located
proximal to an edge of the distribution surface, however, it is
intended that this opening 165 be located anywhere along the
distribution surface 170 that is appropriate for ease of use in
applying compound using the applicator.
[0034] Additionally as shown, the applicator 200 may further
comprise a recessed channel 155 running along at least a portion of
one or more scraper edge portions 201, 202 distal from the
substantially conical portion 115. While it is contemplated that
the recessed channel 155 may be located on either surface of the
scraper 150, in some implementations, it may be preferable to
located the channel 155 on an opposite surface from that on which
the opening 165 in the distribution surface 170 is located for ease
of operation of a flow control button 175 that may be located in
the recessed channel 155. The flow control button 175 may be
slidably operated by moving the flow control button 175 within the
recessed channel 155 between and open and closed position to
control the flow of the compound being applied. Some embodiments
may utilize a similar flow control button structure as the single
edge-portion embodiment of the applicator in which the flow control
button 175 comprises a hollow portion 177 configured to align with
the substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel 160
and the opening 165 in the distribution surface 170. Due to the
angled design of the scraper edge portions in this embodiment,
however, in some implementations, it may be preferable to utilize a
flow control button 175 that is structured such that at least a
portion of the flow control button obstructs the substantially
cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel when it is placed in a
closed position that is aligned with the substantially cylindrical
hollow compound delivery channel 160. Alternatively, when the flow
control button is slid or otherwise located within the recessed
channel 155 in an open position, the flow control button 175 does
not obstruct the flow of compound through the substantially
cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel 160. To accomplish
this, the flow control button 175 may comprise a protrusion 210
extending outward from the flow control button such that the
protrusion 210 at least partially obstructs the substantially
cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel when in the closed
position. As depicted in FIGS. 15-16, the substantially cylindrical
hollow compound delivery channel may comprise one or more openings
205 within the recessed channel to accommodate such a protrusion
210 or other portion of the flow control button 175 that is used to
impede compound flow.
[0035] FIGS. 20-24 depict implementations of a compound delivery
applicator 300 designed for use with compounds such as for example,
paint, stain, or adhesive, that may be easily distributed and
applied using a roller. As shown, the substantially cylindrical
hollow compound delivery channel 160 may open into a roller channel
310 that is configured to allow the accumulated compound to contact
a surface of a roller 330 when the roller is coupled via one or
more roller brackets 320 which may be located on either end of the
roller channel 310. Similar to other embodiments of a compound
delivery applicator described herein, the applicator blade may
comprise a first portion comprising first and second side edges
140, 145 each forming an acute angle relative to the substantially
conical portion 115 through which the substantially cylindrical
hollow compound delivery channel 160 passes.
[0036] In some implementations as shown in FIGS. 21 and 24, the
compound delivery applicator 300 may further comprise a recessed
channel 155 located substantially adjacent to the roller channel
310. The recessed channel 155 may be configured to house a flow
control button 175 therein, which may slidably move along the
recessed channel 155 to obstruct or allow flow of the compound as
desired by the user. It is contemplated that the flow control
button 175 may have any such characteristics or features as
described above and related to the other embodiments of a compound
delivery applicator described herein.
[0037] Any of the embodiments of a compound delivery applicator
contemplated by this disclosure may comprise one or more threads
125 to threadably couple to a compound receptacle 110.
Alternatively, some embodiments may slide onto or slidably mate
with a compound receptacle 110 such as an existing tube of compound
such as caulk or wall-patch. In some embodiments, the compound
receptacle 110 may comprise a disposable or refillable cartridge
112, as shown in FIGS. 7-8 which may be housed inside the compound
receptacle 110 and may be replaced or refilled after use.
[0038] It is intended that the compound be dispensed by applying a
pressure to the compound inside the compound receptacle 110 which
may be accomplished by a user squeezing a compound receptacle 110
that is comprised of a flexible material, such as for example, a
tube. Alternatively a plunger 190 may be used in conjunction with a
spring 195 or other pressurizing device to apply a pressure to the
compound within the compound receptacle 110 and/or cartridge 112.
Such a plunger 190 may also be used in a syringe-like configuration
to draw viscous compound into the compound receptacle 110. In some
embodiments, the compound delivery applicator may be coupled to a
pen-like or syringe-like body as shown in FIGS. 9-10 which may
comprise any appropriate configuration of components such as a
plunger 190, a piston advance body 193, an advancing piston or
spring 195, a cartridge 112, a clip 191, a body 192, and a grip
portion 194.
[0039] While it is intended that any number of the components
comprising the compound delivery applicator, compound receptacle,
plunger, etc. may be comprised of separately manufactured and
assembled parts, some implementations may also be integrally formed
so as to provide manufacturing efficiencies. It is contemplated
that any of the components described in this disclosure may be
comprised of any synthetic material, polymer, plastic, or any other
suitable material that may be desired to be used in such
implementations.
[0040] FIG. 25 provides a block diagram of a method of applying a
compound 400 using an implementation of a compound delivery
applicator in accordance with the above disclosure. When a user has
identified a surface to which the user desires to apply a compound,
the user may coupling a first end of a substantially conical
portion of the compound delivery applicator to a compound
receptacle containing a compound 410. The compound receptacle may
further comprise a cartridge that may be disposable or refillable
for multiple uses. The user may then place an applicator blade that
is coupled to the substantially conical portion of the compound
delivery applicator in contact with a surface to which the compound
is to be applied 420. The applicator blade may comprise a first
portion extending outwardly along a longitudinal axis of and from a
second end of the substantially conical portion and the first
portion may comprise a first side edge and a second side edge each
forming an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the
substantially conical portion. The user may then dispense the
compound through a substantially cylindrical hollow compound
delivery channel extending along the longitudinal axis of and
internally through at least a portion of the substantially conical
portion 430, the substantially cylindrical hollow compound delivery
channel further extending through a scraper of the applicator blade
coupled to the first portion distal the substantially conical
portion. Once the compound has been applied and smoothed on the
desired surface, the user may remove the excess compound using at
least a portion of an edge of the scraper distal from the first
portion of the applicator blade 440. The user may also actuate a
flow control button 450 that is located within a recessed channel
along at least a portion of an edge of the scraper distal from the
first portion of the applicator blade between open and closed
positions to control flow of the compound through the substantially
cylindrical hollow compound delivery channel to prevent drying of
the compound within the compound receptacle when the applicator is
not in use.
[0041] It will be understood that embodiments and implementations
described and illustrated herein are not limited to the specific
components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent
with the intended operation of a method and/or system
implementation for compound application may be utilized. In places
where the description above refers to particular embodiments of a
compound delivery applicator and application techniques, it should
be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made
without departing from the spirit thereof and that these
implementations may be applied to other such systems and
components. The presently disclosed implementations are, therefore,
to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not
restrictive.
[0042] The implementations listed here, and many others, will
become readily apparent from this disclosure. From this, those of
ordinary skill in the art will readily understand the versatility
with which this disclosure may be applied.
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